Tenants growing cannabis in rented houses is an increasing problem and landlords should consider the risk of weed growers damaging their rented home
There is no doubt about it, home cultivation of cannabis has increased dramatically and residential landlords need to exercise caution when renting their houses to tenants who’s only requirement for the property may be to use it as a cannabis farm. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) says that most of the cannabis consumed in the UK is home grown. In the UK It is perfectly legal to buy cannabis seeds and the paraphernalia needed to grow cannabis, it is the germination of the seeds, i.e the growing of it that is illegal. All that is needed is a suitable property to cultivate the plants, that’s where you come in..!
Unless you are careful you may find that you are the unwilling victim of a grower setting up their cannabis farm in the property you have rented to them. It doesn’t need to be a large property, a space 6ft x 6ft can accommodate up to 10 plants, and enough in itself for a tidy profit so don’t overlook the risk of it happening to you.
Be suspicious if;-
• A tenant wishes to pay several months of rent, in cash, in advance
• The tenant appears to have a lot of cash on them – without an obvious source of income
• The tenant does not have any references even if they have very good reasons for this
• You receive a request not to visit the property during the tenancy, again, for very good reasons that may seem perfectly justifiable.
How to spot trouble:-
• Electrical wiring may have been tampered with
• A sudden jump or fall in electricity bills
• Blacked out curtains or use of heavy fabric over the windows
• Powerful lights on day and night
• Condensation on windows
• Tenants wanting to increase the security at the property
How to avoid being scammed
I.D your tenants – Whether you are using a professional letting agent or if you are letting the property yourself always insist on photo I.D, proof of current address, telephone numbers, car registration number, more than one for of I.D. and a credit check. Beware of non UK identity with which you may be unfamiliar, so ensure it is genuine. Also, watch out for requests to put utility bills in different names.
Lastly, visit your property after a few weeks of the tenancy to check it is being used appropriately. Don’t be tempted by a cash offer not to visit your property, however tempting it may seem.
The damage done
Damage caused by cannabis farming can be extensive. From damage to electrical systems, plumbing and heating systems, and structural damage to walls floors and ceilings, the criminals will shape your property to best suit their needs without a thought for the damage they are causing.
Will the insurers pay for it?
Some will, but some wont. Choose your landlords policy carefully, because regardless of whether or not you feel drugs farms to be a risk, you still want the best policy wording. The average cost of an insurance claim for damage to property being ‘customised’ by a drug farmer is nearly £40,000. Is it worth the risk of not being property insured?
Speak to Bickers Insurance Services for sound advice and a competitive online quotation